Method for connecting pipelines

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for determining the spatial relationship between a pair of adjacent but separated conduit ends, reestablishing the spatial relationship thus determined at a remote environment, fashioning a conduit connecting segment at the remote environment and connecting the conduit thus fabricated to the spaced conduit ends.

Wnited States Patent [191 Morgan 14 1 May 22, 1973 54 METHOD FORCONNECTING 2,563,599 8/1951 Gardner ..33/174 N PIPELINES 3,140,5347/1964 Messina ..29/407 3,270,426 9/1966 Fischer et a1. .....33/174 N X[751 Inventor wln'am Mfigan, 3,492,715 2/1970 Maton ..29/407 [73]Assign: Brown Root, Inc Houston 3,578,233 5 1971 Meisteretal.......61/72.3 x 3,599,436 8/1971 Lochridge ..61/72.3 [22] Filed: Jan- 1 93,603,617 9 1971 Lochridge ..61 72.3 x

[21] Appl. No.: 218,393

Primary ExammerCharles W. Lanham Related US. Application Data AssistantExaminer-V. A. DiPalma [62] Division of Set. N0. 835,647, June 23, 1969,Pat. NO. WHY-Bums [57] ABSTRACT 52 U.S. c1 ..29/407, 61/723 A method andapparatus for determining the spatial [51] [13L Cl. ..B23q 17/00relationship between a pail. of adjacent but Separated [58] FIG! 0Search 61/723, conduit ends re establishing the spatial relationship61/721 269/37 33/174 180 R thus determined at a remote environment,fashioning a conduit connecting segment at the remote environ- [56]Reterences cued ment and connecting the conduit thus fabricated toUNITED STATES PATENTS the Spaced conduit ends- 2,43l,100 11/1947 Woods..269/48 X 1 Claim, 13 Drawing Figures 1 METHOD FOR CONNECTING PIPELINESThis is a continuation, division, of application Ser. No. 835,647, filedJune 23, 1969, now US. Pat. No. 3,667,128.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to establishingconnecting communication between a pair of adjacent but separatedconduit ends located in an underwater or otherwise adverse workingenvironment.

Oil from a producing offshore well is frequently transported through apipeline laying on the ocean floor and extending from the well platformhead to the shore or to a collecting station. When such a pipeline isconstructed or repaired, problems may develop in attempting to fabricatea pipe length properly shaped to connect the pipeline and a terminus,such as for example, to the lower end of a riser pipe at a wellplatform, or to the pipeline stub at a collecting station. Because ofthe nature of offshore pipelaying activities, the pipeline and riserends may not be positioned in precise longitudinal alignment, and theplanes of the pipe ends or flanges may not be parallel. Even if inalignment, the relative distance between the two conduit ends isunpredictable. It is important that the exact relative position of thesetwo ends or flanges be determined in order to fabricate a tight fittingconnection. It will readily be appreciated that any leaks in thisconnection would not only result in a loss of oil but could cause ahighly undesirable contamination of the sea water.

In the past, it has sometimes been the practice for a deep sea diver todescend and examine the relative positions of the undersea pipe ends.The diver then surfaced and a connector was fabricated in accordancewith the divers estimate of the required shape. The diver then descendedwith this fabricated connector and attempted to put it in place. Sinceit was difficult in many instances to estimate the relative position ofthe undersea pipe ends with the necessary accuracy, the connector oftendid not fit and therefore was brought to the surface for modification inaccordance with the divers instructions.

Trial and error techniques of this nature are time consuming andexpensive.

At least one other previously known method of connecting two pipe endscomprises lowering a measuring gauge into the ocean to record thespatial relationship between the pipe ends and then raising the gauge toa lay barge or the like'to fabricate a suitable pipe segment from thegauge. This known gauge, however, relies on an undesirable ball jointfor manipulating the gauge into registering with the pipe ends. Thisform of connection is relatively easily misaligned. Further, in thisgauge the overall manipulating character of the flange engaging plateswas limited.

Although the prior methods and apparatus of connecting underseapipelines are satisfactory in certain respects, a distinct need existsfor a more reliable, versatile arrangement for making connectionsbetween spaced, submerged conduit ends.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION To this end and other ends it is a generalobject of the invention to minimize or obviate disadvantages of the typepreviously discussed.

It is a particular object of the invention to provide a method andapparatus for accurately determining the spatial relationship betweenthe end flanges on adjacent but separate conduits.

It is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus forconnecting the end flanges on adjacent but separated portions ofconduits in an adverse working environment.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method and apparatusfor easily disconnecting the gauge from the spaced conduits once theirspatial relationship has been accurately recorded.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus for reproducing the spatial relationship of the conduitsat a desirable work environment.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a gauge which will beeasy to manipulate in the sea, therefore requiring a minimum number ofdivers.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a gauge thatwill readily adapt to a large variety of pipeline sizes, be rugged inconstruction, and permit engagement with the ends of pipelines which maybe widely misaligned with respect to each other.

A method of accomplishing at least some of these foregoing objectscomprises accurately recording the spatial relationship between the endflanges on adjacent but separated portions of conduits positioned in anadverse working environment, transferring the spatial recording to adesirable work location, accurately reconstructing the spatialrelationship between the ends of a pair of jig fixtures, fabricating asuitable conduit between the fixtures and transporting the conduitsection thus fabricated to the adverse environment for in stallationbetween the spaced conduit ends.

The step of recording may be accomplished by a flange gauge utilizing apair of flange plates which may be removably connected to the spacedconduit ends. Each flange plate is connected by a linkage to a supportbar. Each such linkage provides three mutually perpendicular axes ofrotation. Each flange plate is rotatable about its longitudinal axis,independent of the linkage. The linkages permit adjustment of the gaugeplates in laterally displaced locations.

The steps of reconstructing the spatial relationship of the conduit endsmay be accomplished by a pair of separate jig fixtures, each having atleast three mutually perpendicular adjustment axes.

THE DRAWINGS Other significant objects and aspects of the invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the beginning of a sequential seriesof steps in connecting the spaced ends of two conduits which are locatedin an adverse environment, and particularly shows a flange gauge priorto registry with the spaced conduit flange ends of a pipeline and riser;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a flange gauge in registry with thespaced conduit ends;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the flange tem plates transported toa desirable work location on a floating vessel and positioned between apair of jig templates, thus re-establishing the end conduits spatialrelationship in a suitable working environment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a pipe section fabricated between thefabrication templates or fixtures;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the fabricated pipe section installedinto place between the spaced conduit ends;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a flange gauge having a tubular supportbar and a pair of flange registering mechanical linkages, each havingthree mutually perpendicular axes of rotation utilized in conjunctionwith a flange adapter mounting which provides two further axes ofrotation;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational, partially sectioned view of one end of theflange template shown in FIG. 1, taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of one of the linkage arms of FIG. 6taken along section line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an end view, partially in section, of a flange adapter asshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a jig template and flange joint adapterforming a part of the invention;

FIG. ll is a side elevational view of a jig template partially sectionedto disclose the base disc adjustment detail;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a pair of jig templates as shown in FIGS.10 and 11, placed in registry with a pair of flange adapters and a gaugeas shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 13 is a partial cross sectional view taken along section line 13-13of FIG. 12, showing the detail of the jig end plate rotationaladjustment mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawingswherein like numerals designate like parts and more specifically toFIGS. 1-5, there is depicted in sequence a method and apparatus forconnecting the spatially disoriented ends of a pipeline in an adverseworking environment, such as under the sea.

Referring to FIG. 1, a pipeline conduit 13 is shown with an end flange14 spatially separated from the end flange 15 of a riser pipe 16. Theriser 16 is conventionally connected to one leg of a support tower 17.For the reasons previously discussed, it would be desirable to know thespatial relationship between the spaced flanges 14 and 15, so that aconduit exactly spanning the spaced pipe ends may be lowered and coupledinto place. To this end a gauge has been lowered from a lay barge 18 bya suitable means, such as, for example, by a winch or crane assembly.

In FIG. 2, as will be more fully discussed hereinafter, universallyrotatable linkages and 26 have been manipulated to bring the gauge 20,carrying flange adapter plates 90, into intimate engagement with thepipeline and riser end flanges 14 and 15 respectively.

For ease of illustration, pipeline flange l4 and riser flange 15 areillustrated somewhat above submerged surfaces. Ordinarily, at leastflange 14 would be substantially adjacent this surface. Thus, in manyinstances, gauge 20 would be manipulated in a position or orientationdifferent from that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The gauge and adapter plates may then be raised to the deck of the barge18, as best seen in FIG. 3, where the exact spatial relationship of theunderwater pipe ends may be re-established between a pair of templatefixtures 121 and 122.

A pipe section 19, as seen in FIG. 4, may then be fabricated byconventional means between the spatially established templates. Oncefabricated, the pipe may then be lowered into the adverse environmentand installed, as shown in FIG. 5, between the spaced pipe ends with anexact non-stressed fit.

Pipe Flange Gauge:

With reference specifically to FIG. 6, a pipeline gauge constituting apreferred form of one aspect of the invention is shown.

The gauge 20 is composed of a first tubular support bar 21 having endcaps 22 sealingly welded at each end thereto by a weldment 23. Thesupport bar is therefore generally hollow and impervious to entry byexternal fluids and may therefore be somewhat buoyant when placed in thesea.

Positioned at approximately each end of the support bar 21 are a pair ofuniversally rotatable flange engaging linkages 25 and 26 which areidentical in construction, and therefore, interchangeable. The linkagecomprises a first collar 27 for rotation about and translation on thesupport bar, as depicted in FIG. 6 by arrows R1 and T1. The first collar27 may be spaced from the support bar 21 by bearing rings 29 as bestseen in FIG. 7. The collar may be adjustably locked to the support barby a plurality of lock screws 31 carried by collar 27 and engageablewith bar 21.

Normally extending and sealingly welded, as at 33 to the first collar27, is an upstanding tubular leg 35. The leg 35 is supported on oppositesides thereof by generally triangular shaped gussets 37. The free end ofthe tubular leg 35 is provided with a cap 39 sealingly welded thereto asat 41.

The tubular leg 35 is provided with a lower bearing race 43 and bearingsleeve 45. The cap 39 is also provided with a retaining and bearingplate 47 which may be secured by a plurality of machine bolts 49. Cap 47provides an annular bearing face 48 of L-shaped cross section.

Positioned between the bearings 45 and 47 is a second collar 51. Thecollar 51 is provided with an upper and lower bearing ring 53 and 54respectively, for contiguous rotational engagement with bearings 47 and45 respectively, for accurately aligned rotation about the axis of leg35. The collar 51 may be rotationally locked by the positive applicationof a pair of locking set screws 56 carried by collar 51 and which engagewall rings 58 which are fixedly attached to the tubular leg 35.

Extending normally to the second collar 51 and sealingly welded theretoas at 60, is a second tubular leg 62 which is provided at its free endwith an end cap 64 which may be sealingly welded thereto as at 63. Thus,for reasons as previously discussed, the first tubular leg as well asthe second tubular leg 62 are both generally hollow sealed cylinders,which may be fabricated of aluminum to enable the gauge to be somewhatbuoyant and therefore more easily manipulated by divers in the sea.

Bearing seat 67 is mounted on the interior of rectangularly crosssectioned collar 66 and provides a cylindrical bearing edge 67a. Bearingedge 67a engages a cylindrical bearing face 69a provided by a retainerbearing plate 69. Plate 69 is secured to cap 64 by threaded fasteners64a. v

Bearing seat 68 is mounted on leg 62 and provides a cylindrical bearingface 68a. Face 68a engages a cylindrical bearing face a provided by abearing 70. Bearing 70 is mounted on a plate 71 having a rectangularperiphery conforming to the periphery of collar 66 and a circular seat71a within which bearing 70 is mounted.

Bearing edges 70b and 69b axially engage seat 68 and seat 67,respectively, to prevent or limit axial move ment of collar 66 on leg62.

The above-described bearings serve to longitudinally limit butrotationally permit accurate movement of the third collar 66, withrespect to the second tubular leg 62. The third collar 66 may berotationally locked with respect to the second leg by the positiveapplication of set screws 72 carried by collar 66 and which act againstcylindrical bearing sleeves 74 welded to the outer surface of the secondtubular leg 62.

The third collar 66 is further provided with a bifurcated pin bracket 76which retains a threaded and shouldered pivot pin 78. Pin 78 rotatablysupports a set of bracket bars 80 which in turn support an adjustmentplate 82. Bracket bars 80 are interconnected by a sleeve 81, as shown inFIG. 7.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the adjustment plate 82 may be rotatedabout the axis of the pin 78 and locked in a desired position by theimpingement of a machine screw 84 on one of the bracket bars 80, as at85. The adjustment plate 82 may be provided with a plurality ofcircumferentially extending slots 87 in each quadrant of the adjustmentplate for the reception of locking studs 89 carried by a flange adapterplate 90. With the nuts 89a of studs 89 loosened, plate 90 may berotated about the longitudinal central axis of plate 82 to the extentpermitted by the travel of studs 89 through slots 87. By tightening nuts89a, plates 82 and 90 are locked together.

The adapter plate 90, as best seen in FIG. 9, may be provided with aplurality of radially and circumferentially spaced holes 92 foralignment with the apertures in the flanges of conduits of varioussizes. A plurality of studs 94 may be extended through the pipelineflange and be threadably attached to the holes 92 in the flange adapterplate. The studs 94, as best seen in FIG. 7, may be provided with wrenchflats 96 to facilitate the connection process. Each stud may be furtherprovided with a threaded fastener such as a wing nut 98 to releasablyattach the adapter 90 to the pipeline flange. The adapter is furtherprovided with a plurality of spacer pads 100 which may serve to occupythe volume at the end of the pipe flange normally allocated to a flangeseal.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the second flange engaging linkage 26 may bepositioned with respect to the first linkage 25 by means of a winch 102which comprises a collar 104. This collar is fixedly but adjustablyattached by a machine screw 106 to one end of the sup port bar 21. Apair of winch spools 108 and 109 may be rotatably operated by handles110 and 111. A first cable 112 extends from winch spool 108 to a shackle118. This shackle is attached to a gusset 37 of flange engaging linkage25. Cable 112 passes slidably through shackle 118 and back to fixedengagement with a shackle 120 attached to an opposite gusset 37 of thesecond flange engaging linkage 26. A second cable 116 extends from thewinch spool 109 to a second flange engaging linkage 26 and is attachedthereto by a shackle 114. Therefore, when the first flange engaginglinkage 25 is fixedly locked to the support bar 21 by setting the lockscrews 31, taking-up" and lettingout the spools 108 and 109 may beemployed to axially position the second flange engaging linkage 26 withrespect to the first linkage 25.

Template Jigs:

The above-described gauge 20 is suitable for accurately determining thespatial relationship of the flanged ends of separated but adjacentconduits. The relationship thus registered, the flanged end positionsmay be reconstructed at a suitable fabrication site by means of a pairof spaced, identical template fixtures 121 and 122 as best seen in FIG.10.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1 1 and 12, identical templatefixtures are disclosed. Each fixture is supported upon a base plate 124which may be tack welded to a lay barge deck as at 126. The jig itselfis provided with a base disc 128 which is generally sup ported parallelto the base plate by a plurality of bearing pads, such as 130. The basedisc 128 is further provided for rotation about a central stud 132 whichis received within a circular recess 134 in base plate 124. The edges ofthe disc 128 are received under the lip of a circular L-flange 135formed from a rim 136 and spacer 137 bolted together. The spacer 137 maybe welded to the base plate 124 as at 139. A plurality of machine screws138 extend through the L-flange and bear against the base disc to lockthe base disc in a desired position.

The disc 128 is further provided with a perpendicular, upstandingsupport 140 which may be supported by a plurality of gussets 142.

A U-shaped horizontal support 144 may be joumaled for rotation by a pinconnection 146 at the upper end of the upstanding support 140. Theclosed end of the U-shaped support 144 is provided with an internallyextending tab 148 for the rotational reception of the bifurcated end 149of a take-up, turnbuckle 150. The opposite bifurcated end 151 of theturnbuckle is journaled as at 152, to a gusset 142 which is attached tothe base disc 128.

The open end of the U-shaped support 144 may be fixedly attached to aflange-carrying plate 154 as best seen in FIGS. 10 through 12. As shownin FIG. 13, a flange simulator disc 156 may be rotationally attached tothe plate 154 by a central stud 158 which is welded to the simulatordisc 156 and extends through an aperture 160 in the plate 154. Thesimulator disc 156 may be rotationally held with respect to the plate154 by a thrust washer 164 and positive take-up of a conventional,threaded fastener 162 and a lock nut 165. Rotation of the simulator disc156 with respect to the plate 154 may be fixed by the positiveapplication of set screws 167 extending through the plate 154 andengaging the disc 156.

The disc simulator 156 as best seen in FIG. 10 may be provided with aplurality of radially and peripherally spaced openings 166 to enable thesimulator to represent a variety of flange dimensions. A plurality ofspacer strips 168 may be attached to the simulator face to represent thespace occupied by a flange seal.

While the above described flange simulator disc may be suitable torepresent a variety of flange sizes the universal adaptability of thesimulator disc may be further extended by the provision of a flangeadapter 170. This adapter comprises a first plate 172 provided withmounting holes for registry with holes 166 in the simulator disc 156. Aspaced simulator plate 174 is fixedly held to the first plate by anextension sleeve 176. The

simulator plate, like the simulator disc, may be provided with aplurality of radially and circumferentially spaced apertures 178 andseal compensation strips 179 to enable the simulator plates to imitate avariety of flange dimensions. The flange adapter 170, as depicted inFIG. 10, is shown as a reducer plate, so as to provide a mounting forflanges and gauges too small to be secured to plate 156 due to theinterfering presence of the structure which supports plate 156.

PIPE CONNECTING OPERATION In order to connect the spaced ends ofseparate but adjacent conduits, resting in an adverse environment suchas beneath the sea, a gauge 20 may be first lowered into proximity withthe pipe ends. As previously discussed, the support bar 21 and first andsecond arms 35 and 62 of the universal linkages 25 and 26 are allbuoyant. Therefore, the gauge which may be relatively heavy while on thelay barge may be quite mobile and manipulatable in the water by one ortwo divers.

In recording the spatial relationship of the spaced flange ends 14 and15, the gauge 20 carrying flange adapter plates 90 is manipulated intoposition so that the adapter plates may be securely fastened to the pipeend flanges 14 and by removable studs 94 and threaded fasteners 98.

A diver first sets the first collar 27 of the linkage 25 with respect tothe support bar 21 by tightening the set screws 31. The rest of thelocking set screws are backed off so that the second arm 62, thirdcollar 66 and adjustment plate 82 may all freely rotate about theiraxes. The lock screws of the second flange engaging linkage 26 are allbacked off so that the first collar of the second linkage may be freelyrotatable about and translatable on the support bar 21.

With the first collar 27 of the first mechanical linkage 25 axially androtatably locked with respect to the support bar 21, the winch spools108 and 109 may be let out or taken-up to slidably translate the secondmechanical linkage 26 to a posture whereby the freely rotatableadjustment collars may be manipulated to bring plates 90 into generalregistry with the flange of the adjacent conduit ends. The peripheralslots 87 in the adjustment plates 82 admit to the reception of thefasteners 89 in a plurality of peripheral postures, with the resultingeffect that a degree of rotational freedom is provided between theadjustment plates 82 and the flange adapted plates 90. This enables thestuds 94 to be aligned with flange holes of the conduit flanges to whichthe plates 90 are coupled. Threaded fasteners 98 may then be installedto lock plates 90 to the conduit flanges.

Subsequent to the locking of the adjustment plates to the flangeadapters 90, the rest of the locking screws 31, 56, 72 and 84 may betightened to rigidly set the gauge in the fixed spatial relationship ofthe spaced pipe ends.

The threaded fasteners 98 may then be backed off of studs 94 and thestuds may be removed from the flange adapter plates 90. With the removalof the adapter plate studs, the gauge may be easily manipulated out ofengagement with the pipeline flanges 14 and 15.

The gauge may then be transported to a pipelaying barge 18 where theconduit flange, spatial relationship may be re-established. In thisregard, a pair of universally rotatable jig fixtures 121 and 122 may bepositioned adjacent the ends of the gauge 20. The base lock screws 138and the plate set screws 167 on each of the jigs may be backed off toenable the simulator discs 156 to be aligned with the now replaced studs94 in the flange adapter plates 90. The base plates 128 of each templatejig may be rotated about its axis, the take-up turnbuckles may bemanipulated to oscillate the simulator disc, and the simulator disc maybe axially rotated until a set of holes on the disc are brought intoalignment with the replaced studs 94 in the flange adapter plates 90.The threaded fasteners 98 are applied to securely attach the flangeadapter plates 90 to the simulator discs 156. As shown in FIG. 10, aflange adapter may be positioned on the simulator disc 156 prior toconnection with the flange adapter plates 90. It should be readilyrecognized that the inclusion or removal of the flange adapter will bedictated by the relative pipeline diameter being fabricated.

With the gauge 20 thus positioned, the lock screws 138 and set screws167 may be securely tightened and the jigs anchored as by welding to afixed surface. The fasteners 98 and studs 94 may then be removed, thusallowing the gauge 20 to be removed from the template igs.

A standard pipe flange may then be bolted to the simulator disc or plateon each jig and a pipe section then constructed between the two endflanges. Once constructed, the conduit section may be removed andtransported back to the adverse working environment and connected withthe ends of the spaced conduit flanges l4 and 15.

In order to maintain the proper orientation of the bolt holes of thesection flanges, a suitable indicia for the uppermost holes at eachflange end may be used so that the divers may readily attach thefabricated conduit section with the proper orientation.

While the adapter plates 90 are preferably connected to and carried bythe gauge 20 at all times it is within the purview of the invention tofirst connect plates 90 separated from the gauge 20 to the flange endsand then connect the gauge 20 to these plates.

DEGREES OF GAUGE MOVEMENT Each of the gauge assemblies 25 and 26 permitsmovement of its plate 90 with unique versatility due to the provision ofseveral uniquely interrelated but spatially separated rotation axes.

This degree of adjustability will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

For example, in connection with assembly 25, the plates 82 and 90 aresupported by a linkage arrangement defined by legs 35 and 62 and thecollars 27, 51 and 66 so as to permit the plates 82 and 90 to rotateabout three mutually distinct rotation axes.

The first of these axes A extends coaxially of the mounting base 21 androtation of collar 27 is indicated by arrow R1. The second axis B isperpendicular to axis A and extends coaxially of leg 35 and collar 51.Rotation of collar 51 is indicated by arrow R2. The third axis C extendsperpendicular to axis B and within a plane parallel to axis A and passescoaxially through leg 62. Rotation of collar 66 is indicated by arrowR3.

This particular linkage arrangement which provides three independentdegrees of rotational freedom enables the plates 82 and 90 touniversally rotate with respect to the support bar 21.

In addition to this degree of movement, the pin 78 provides anadditional axis of rotation D extending parallel to axis B andperpendicular to axis C, therefore plates 82 and 90 may be rotated asindicated by arrow R4. Axis D, however, is substantially'displaced fromaxis B as shown in FIG. 6.

The slot and stud bolt arrangement interconnecting plates 82 and 90permits rotation of plate 90 relative to plate 82 about an axis Eextending coaxially of these two plates. When the two plates are alignedso as to be oriented perpendicular to axis C, axes C and E aresubstantially coincident. The rotation of plate 90 with respect to plate82 is indicated by arrow R5.

Thus, the degree of rotational freedom provided by axes D and E enablethe plate 90 to be selectively manipulated when the plate 90 is disposedsubstantially contiguous with and adjacent the conduit end with which itis to be secured for alignment purposes.

In other words, axes A, B and C enable the plate 90 to be positioned atthe general alignment location while axes C, D and E cooperate to permitthe plate 90 to be adjusted to a condition of precise alignment with theconduit end.

As will be appreciated, the various degrees of freedom provided by theaxes A through E permit articulation of the components of assembly 25 insequences substantially different from that just described.

The versatility and adjustment of assembly 25 is augmented by theidentical adjustability of the assembly 26.

This overall adjustability is facilitated by the mounting of assemblies25 and 26 on base 21 for selective 30 axial adjustability as indicatedby arrow T1.

SUMMARY OF THE ADVANTAGES It will be appreciated by those skilled in theart that the above disclosure describes a method and apparatus forconnecting spaced conduit ends in an adverse working environment. Thepipeline gauge is constructed to exhibit a desirable degree of buoyancyfor ease of manipulation by a minimum number of divers in an underwaterenvironment. The pipeline gauge is rugged in construction andindependent adjustment mechanisms firmly prevent inadvertent slippage.Therefore, the gauge will admit to utilization with large diameterpipes. Manipulation of the gauge may be facilitated with a winch,therefore allowing the gauge to be large and rugged, yet easily handled.

Each gauge end has three mutually perpendicular axes of rotation, eachof which may rotate 360 to accommodate a wide range of pipelineeccentricity. In addition, the face of each gauge linkage may be rotatedwith respect to the arm of the linkage on which it is mounted.

Flange adapter plates may be utilized having a plurality of aperturestherein to accommodate a variety of pipeline diameters and each flangeadapter plate may be rotatable with respect to the gauge end plates toeffectuate another degree of rotational freedom and to facilitatealignment with the holes in the pipeline flanges. The flange adapterplates are provided with removable studs, therefore allowing the gaugeto be easily freed from the pipeline once set.

The jig templates are separate and identical, thus interchangeable, andtheir position on the lay barge may be established in accordance with awide range of pipeline sizes and eccentricities. The jigs being requiredto support a heavy and bulky pipeline are provided with ruggedindependent adjustment mechanisms for rotation about three mutuallyperpendicular axes to accommodate for end plate eccentricities.

An adapter may be readily connected to the jig fixtures to accommodate avariety of pipeline sizes.

Although the invention is described with reference to preferredembodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatadditions, deletions, modifications, substitutions and other changes notspecifically described and illustrated in these embodiments may be madewhich will fall within the purview of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A method of connecting the ends of two spatially separate conduits inan adverse working environment comprising the steps of:

recording the spatial relationship between the spaced conduit ends inthe adverse work environment, by

attaching a flange adapter plate to each of the spaced conduit ends withremovable fasteners, and

adjusting a gauge between said flange plates,

wherein plates carried by said gauge may be contiguously positionedagainst said flange plates by universal movement and locked thereto;

transporting the spatial recording to a desirable work station,including the step of detaching said flange plate removable fasteners,

thus freeing the recording gauge;

reconstructing the spatial relationship of the conduit ends at adesirable work station between a pair of template fixtures;

fabricating a suitable conduit section between said template fixtures;

transporting the conduit section thus fabricated to the adverseenvironment; and

coupling the conduit section into place between the spaced conduit ends.

1. A method of connecting the ends of two spatially separate conduits inan adverse working environment comprising the steps of: recording thespatial relationship between the spaced conduit ends in the adverse workenvironment, by attaching a flange adaPter plate to each of the spacedconduit ends with removable fasteners, and adjusting a gauge betweensaid flange plates, wherein plates carried by said gauge may becontiguously positioned against said flange plates by universal movementand locked thereto; transporting the spatial recording to a desirablework station, including the step of detaching said flange plateremovable fasteners, thus freeing the recording gauge; reconstructingthe spatial relationship of the conduit ends at a desirable work stationbetween a pair of template fixtures; fabricating a suitable conduitsection between said template fixtures; transporting the conduit sectionthus fabricated to the adverse environment; and coupling the conduitsection into place between the spaced conduit ends.